3/4 Ice Skating Race

This is a fun race that works on skating, body positioning and puck protection.  

Setup

• Have two lines of players on the goal line (you can utilize the ice to have 2 races going instead of one)
• Set up pads/object that players have to jump/stride over or skate around depending on the variation
• Have net set up on either far blue line or far goal line
• Puck sitting at the blue line 
• Players go on whistle to race to the puck - the winner takes it to the net while the other tries to defend with back pressure

Coaching Points

• Explosiveness in skating and working on your stride and push off
• Body positioning when racing for the puck to cut off the opponent and not let them get body positioning on you
• Take the puck to the net and fend off the back pressure (on defense, apply good back pressure, stick detail and try to regain body position)
   

Variations

1. Jump Pads
2. Switching Sides
3. Weave Through Obstacles
4. Switch Sides on Weaves
5. Backwards Through Obstacles
6. Switch Sides on Backwards